Schmoozing the virtual boss In a March 14 NBC 11 story, Nancy Hayes, dean of the College of Business, offered tips to telecommuters who are looking to build a relationship with their virtual boss. Hayes said employees should learn how their boss likes to be contacted, whether that's via e-mail or over the phone. She also said employees should pick up the phone and call when topics become heated. "Once you've had two exchange of e-mails and things appear to be getting tense, ask for a phone conversation," Hayes said.

Pay for performance
In a March 13 Marin Independent Journal opinion piece, Professor of Secondary Education Mark Phillips advocated for merit pay for teachers. Phillips provided examples from his time at SF State and said that the best teachers should not be paid the same as their counterparts. "First, every teacher should be paid a decent starting salary, good enough to attract high quality candidates to teaching," Phillips said. "Every teacher should be given the resource support needed to teach effectively. Too often, proponents of merit pay show no cognizance of the critical importance of creating conditions for excellent performance."